We interrupt this optimistic time of year for some pessimism. The preseason AP Top 25 is out and college football fans all over the country can dream about how this year it all comes together for their team. Teams that begin the season ranked can be especially hopeful — but maybe curb your enthusiasm.
After 2021 and '22 produced record turnover in the rankings from start to finish — a combined 29 teams ended those seasons unranked after starting in the Top 25 — last year was one of the chalkiest of the 2000s: 17 teams that started the season ranked finished it that way, the most since 2019. Still, there was plenty of disappointment to go around, Looking at you, Southern California. Reality Check kicks off the season pondering how things can go wrong for each team in the preseason Top 25.
Opener: vs. Clemson in Atlanta, Aug. 31.
Reality check: Coach Kirby Smart's roster is too stacked to realistically consider the Bulldogs becoming just the second team to be No. 1 in the preseason Top 25 and finish unranked (USC in 2012). However, three road games against top-six teams raises the degree of difficulty substantially from its SEC East schedule in recent years.
Ranking: Just right. Opener: vs. Akron, Aug.
31. Reality check: The Buckeyes are on a mission after three straight losses to Michigan, but they have a lot riding on a quarterback (Will Howard) who was never better than second-team Big 12 in four seasons at Kansas State. Ranking: The Buckeyes are the only other viable .